CHICAGO (AP) ― A new analysis of U.S. health data links
children's attention-deficit disorder with exposure to common
pesticides used on fruits and vegetables.
While the study couldn't prove that pesticides used in
agriculture contribute to childhood learning problems, experts
said the research is persuasive.
"I would take it quite seriously," said Virginia Rauh of
Columbia University, who has studied prenatal exposure to
pesticides and wasn't involved in the new study.
More research will be needed to confirm the tie, she said.
Children may be especially prone to the health risks of
pesticides because they're still growing and they may consume
more pesticide residue than adults relative to their body
weight.
In the body, pesticides break down into compounds that can be
measured in urine. Almost universally, the study found
detectable levels: The compounds turned up in the urine of 94
percent of the children.
The kids with higher levels had increased chances of having
ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a common problem
that causes students to have trouble in school. The findings
were published Monday in Pediatrics.
The children may have eaten food treated with pesticides,
breathed it in the air or swallowed it in their drinking water.
The study didn't determine how they were exposed. Experts said
it's likely children who don't live near farms are exposed
through what they eat.
"Exposure is practically ubiquitous. We're all exposed," said
lead author Maryse Bouchard of the University of Montreal.
She said people can limit their exposure by eating organic
produce. Frozen blueberries, strawberries and celery had more
pesticide residue than other foods in one government report.